The World Cannot Know

Chapter 8

Prince Sebastian

As Matthew and Kathy disappeared into the grand hall, I remained in the garden, letting the cool night air wash over me. My thoughts were a tangle of emotions and musings, particularly about Matthew. His flustered reactions always amused me; there was something endearing about the way he tried to mask his feelings and remain composed.

Matthew's earnestness and the way he blushed under my teasing made me want to push his boundaries even more. It wasn't just about amusement; there was a genuine warmth I felt towards him, something I hadn't quite experienced with anyone else. Brotherly friendship. After all, he could become my brother-in-law. But as much as I enjoyed these moments, I knew there were limits. We lived in a world where certain emotions had to be carefully hidden, where politics and alliances dictated our lives more than our own hearts did.

I leaned against the balustrade, gazing at the moonlit garden, reflecting on the evening's events. Matthew's sister, Kathy, had also caught my attention. She had a gentle yet firm presence, one that was refreshing amidst the often superficial and calculated behavior of the court. Out of all the women I had met from the noble families gathered for the ball, she seemed the most genuine. Elizabeth was charming, but her ambitions and her family's volatile reputation made me wary. And Alice, while intriguing and certainly entertaining, carried a complexity that could be both a strength and a liability in a political marriage. And they both prefer breast. I guess that only leaves Kathy as the only option.

Kathy, seemed to strike a balance. She had a kindness that was rare in the court, and her interactions with her brother, Matthew revealed a depth of character and loyalty. She didn't seem to have the same political machinations as Elizabeth or the bold eccentricity of Alice. If I had to choose a wife among them, Kathy would be the most suitable for the role. She was someone I could see as a partner, someone who would stand by me not just as a political ally, but perhaps even as a companion in the true sense of the word.

However, the weight of my responsibilities bore heavily on my shoulders. Choosing a wife wasn't just about personal preference; it was about what was best for the kingdom. Marrying Kathy would likely bring stability and a sense of continuity. Her family was respected, and aligning myself with them would strengthen the realm. Yet, part of me hesitated. The thought of binding myself in a union primarily driven by duty and politics felt like a betrayal of the brief moments of personal connection I had shared with Matthew.

I sighed, pushing myself away from the balustrade. The complexity of my feelings towards Matthew and the looming decision about my future weighed heavily on me. In a few days, the ball would begin, and with it, the expectations of the court and my family. I would have to navigate these waters carefully, balancing my desires with the demands of my role.

As I re-entered the hall, the lively chatter and music enveloped me once more. My eyes scanned the room until they found Matthew, now standing beside his mother and a young woman I didn't recognize. His polite smile masked any discomfort, but I could see the tension in his stance. I couldn't help but feel a pang of something akin.

I had to remind myself that whatever the future held, I needed to keep my wits about me. The upcoming days would test my resolve and my ability to balance my personal inclinations with my duty to the kingdom. And as much as I enjoyed teasing Matthew, I knew the time for play was drawing to a close. The ball would set the stage for decisions that could shape the rest of our lives.

...

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the sprawling palace grounds as I made my way through the dimly lit corridors. The palace was still in a hushed state, the quiet only interrupted by the distant sound of servants beginning their morning routines. Today, I had decided to shake up the monotony of my usual morning exercise by dragging Matthew along with me.